Shelby Wenman – Longford | MS Journeys
For Shelby Wenman from Longford, World MS Day is important because it helps raise awareness of a condition that is still not widely understood, despite affecting so many people.
“It is important to me as it raises awareness for MS which is not spoken about enough and everybody should know about it because so many people of all ages are being diagnosed daily.”
Before her own diagnosis, Shelby says she knew very little about MS and hopes greater awareness can help others feel less afraid and more informed if they ever face a diagnosis themselves.
For Shelby, living with MS can be challenging and frustrating at times, both physically and emotionally.
“Physically it has me tired constantly and suffering with headaches a lot, and mentally I have my days where I would just cry and feel sorry for myself because I’m worried about the future and what may happen.”
Her message to someone newly diagnosed is honest but hopeful. She wants others to know that while MS is not always easy, support, treatment and self-compassion can make a real difference.
“It’s not an easy road but with the right medication you can be well and live a normal life, but rest when you are tired and don’t push yourself too hard or be too hard on yourself.”
The support of family, friends, her boyfriend and her local MS branch has been hugely important throughout her journey. Shelby says her local branch gave her a safe space where she could speak openly with people who truly understood what she was going through.
“My local branch are all also fantastic people I feel it’s a safe space where we really understand each other.”
Being part of the wider MS community has also helped her feel less alone.
“I feel less alone now knowing of so many other people living with MS.”
One of the things that surprised Shelby most after diagnosis was realising that not every day would be a bad day. When she was first diagnosed and struggling to walk, she feared the worst, but treatment helped change her outlook completely.
“Not everyday is a bad day.”
Even so, fatigue and headaches remain among the biggest challenges she faces.
“I’m tired all the time I could sleep 10 - 11 hours at night and wake up like I’ve only slept 2.”
To help manage her MS physically, Shelby listens to her body and rests when she needs to. Emotionally, she says counselling helped her greatly in accepting her diagnosis.
One of the achievements she is most proud of is passing her driving test after being diagnosed.
“Yes, I’ve passed my driving test since I’ve been diagnosed. I’m not going to say it was easy, but definitely the best thing I ever done.”
Shelby is also passionate about challenging misconceptions around MS, particularly the belief that everyone with the condition uses a wheelchair or walking stick.
“Yes that people who have MS are either in a wheelchair or walk with a stick.”
Her message to others living with MS is one of solidarity and reassurance.
“You are not alone even on the days you feel like you are.”
Shelby’s story is one of honesty, courage and persistence. It reflects the fear and uncertainty that can come with an MS diagnosis, but also the support, treatment and resilience that can help people keep moving forward.
Shelby’s MS Diagnosis Journey
